Body shape: The water boatman has an elongated, streamlined body that minimizes resistance while swimming. This sleek design facilitates efficient movement through the water.
Legs: The hind legs of the water boatman are modified into flattened, oar-like structures known as oars. These oars act as powerful paddles, allowing the insect to propel itself through the water with remarkable speed and maneuverability.
Respiratory adaptations: Unlike many other insects that breathe through spiracles, the water boatman has specialised respiratory structures called plastrons. These plastrons are dense networks of small, hair-like structures on the insect's abdomen. The plastrons trap air, forming a thin layer around the insect's body. This layer acts as a physical gill, allowing the water boatman to absorb oxygen from the water.
Hydrofuge hairs: The body of the water boatman is covered in tiny, water-repellent hairs. These hairs create a layer of air between the insect's body and the surrounding water, providing it with buoyancy and preventing it from sinking.
Antennae: The water boatman has long, segmented antennae that are sensitive to vibrations in the water. These antennae serve as important sensory organs, helping the insect detect predators, locate prey, and maintain its orientation in the water.
Cuticle composition: The cuticle (outer covering) of the water boatman contains hydrophobic substances that make it waxy and resistant to water absorption. This helps the insect retain its internal fluids and prevents desiccation (drying out) when exposed to air.
Thanks to these adaptations, the water boatman is well-suited for its life in aquatic habitats, where it feeds on small organisms, detritus, and algae, filling an important role in the ecological balance of freshwater ecosystems.